The Dickinson press., 1887-08-13
THE RAPPAHANNOcK.

After Cedar Run what next.
The base Of operations of the Union army
of the east was now the Rappahannock river.
After Cedar Run, Pope gradually withdrew
his army to the Rappahannock's north bank,
leaving it between himself and the Confrtl-
crates. Meantime Lee massed his whole
army around Jackson, between the Rapra-
hammock and the Rapi,lan. 5000 strong.
He was led to this by Il curious incident,
which shows on what small things great
events turn. The Confederate Col. Mosby
had been q prisoner of war, but had been OK
changed early in August. On the way to
Richmond he passed Fortress Monroe. He
saw there BUrnsi,le's troops cmbarking for
some place. Where. BY means known to
himself, he found out it was the Rappahan-
mock. The moment he set foot OH the shore
below Richmond. he hurried to Gen. Lee and
told him. BY relays of gallopins courers,
Lee dispatched the word to Jackson on the
Rapidan.
The Federal cat was now out of the bag.
BurnSlde'S corps had been sent for from
North Carolina to swell the Army of Nir-
ginla, anu not to re-cnforcc Mcclellan on
the James. AT the same time reports reached
Richmond that McClellans army was cav-
ing the peninsula.
MrClelians army had not reached Fre,ler-
lcksbnrs, on the way to join Pope, when
(Aug. 2ol Lees $1,000 men, himself command.
Ing i'll person, faced Pol"'s army of some
thing over 10000 on the sappahannock. Pope
was on the north side, Ice ON the south, at
tempting to cross. Popes watchfulness pre-
vented, however. Pope, knowing Lees
greater numbers, could not attack. He called
loudly for re-enforcemcnts, which were prom
isea linn certainly by Aug %
Both Lee and Pope We're lne,litating hostile
movements when, on the night of Aug. o., n
tremendous rainStorm came, which stopped
efforts to cross the river hy either army. But
on that night another of tho odd, small Incl
dents which determine great events happened.
Popc's sheadquarteIs We're at Catlc,'s Station,
ten miles behind the center of his line The
daring Confederate cavalrymun, Stuart,
selected that night for Il raid. He had crossed
the RnMalGtnnocll before the storm. lie
swept around to the Federal rear and charged
directly upon Popes headquarters There
were confusion and wild fleeing. Pope him
self escaped leaving hat asnl coat behind him.
His dispatch book was captured, however.
Iha, was all Lee wanted to give him most
accurate Information, and the result shows
he made good use of it, \ negro guided
''''''i' y Nts'a'A.f y w ol"S lcul.
Tho raid was begun Aug a5 Jackson hur-
rIct quiriily up tile south bank of the Rapra-
hammock, crossed it above Pope's army, and
fastened north TO ThoroushfareG Gap, through
which the railroad from Strasburg to Alex
an'.ria passed. His soldiers were called the
Foot cavalry" on account of the speed .llcv
had attained in marching. On their right
went the inlonitable j. Il. B. Stuart, with
all his cavalry. Swiftly silently they
marched, like the spirit of destruction
Don't shout boys; the Yankees will hc;,l
us" said jackson.
L." formed til" bold plan of crossing the
Rarlahnmocl, getting i'll Popes renr, and
cutting him off from Washington For this
difficult and dangerous tns lie selected one
WHO had been proved to be the bravest
shrcwdest, most reliable officer in his army
Stonewall Jackson